Mahmoud Ali Youssouf Sends Message To Ruto After AUC Chairperson Victory
New AUC chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf thanked President William Ruto barely hours after defeating Raila Odinga in a closely contested race on Saturday, February 15.
After several rounds of intensive voting, Djibouti’s Foreign Minister defeated Raila Odinga and was sworn in the same day.
Following his victory and subsequent swearing-in, Youssouf sent a message to President William Ruto, thanking him for sending congratulatory greetings despite the fact that the Head of State supported Raila’s victory.
“I thank H.E. President William Ruto for congratulating me on my victory. He is the African champion for reforms,” Youssouf said on X, formerly Twitter.
The new AUC chair also promised to cooperate with Ruto to advance Africa’s agenda.
“I am honored to work with him to advance our continental agenda: Asanti sana Mze (Sic). (Thank you, leader),” he added.
I thank HE pdt William Ruto for congratulating me on my victory : he is the African champion for the Reforms : I am honored to work with him to advance our continental agenda : Asanti sana Mze pic.twitter.com/sP7rSnqoXh
— Mahmoud Ali youssouf (@ymahmoudali) February 16, 2025
The result dealt a significant blow to Odinga, who had received support from a number of continental leaders, including his erstwhile political foe Ruto.
In a rare display of statesmanship, Raila did not protest the defeat, instead expressing his happiness for his Djibouti counterpart.
“I therefore concede defeat and want us to use this as an example of strengthening democracy on our continent. I wish Mahamoud Ali Youssouf all the best and success in his undertaking,” Mr Odinga said.
Ruto also chose the highway, thanking all who voted for Raila while applauding Youssouf.
“I take this opportunity to congratulate Mahmoud Ali for his election as the new chairperson of the Africa Union and allow me to commend Moussa Faki, our outgoing chairperson,” Ruto said.
He was speaking on Sunday during the Committee of the African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change conference.
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Unbeknownst to Kenyans, Youssouf was a formidable challenger, and Raila would always struggle to defeat the articulate diplomat.
One of the important characteristics thought to have assisted the minister is his fluency in French, Arabic, and English, all of which are used in international diplomacy, organizations, and forums.
Despite taking an early lead, Raila’s odds went against him throughout the next five contested rounds.
Youssouf finally won after receiving the required 33 votes in the seventh round.
Mahmoud Ali Youssouf Sends Message To Ruto After AUC Chairperson Victory
